Dear Friends of the Foundation, Five years ago, thanks to the generosity and vision of Jane and David Walentas, the Jefferson Scholars Foundation launched the Walentas Scholars Program to identify and attract extraordinary first-generation college students to the University of Virginia. David’s own journey as the first member of his family to attend college helped shape a program grounded in the belief that access to education can change the course of a life. Today, we reflect on what has been accomplished and look ahead to what comes next. This spring, the first class of Walentas Scholars graduated from UVA. These pioneering students brought remarkable talent to the University and made contributions that will endure long after their departure. Their accomplishments are inspiring, but they represent only part of the program's impact. More than 1,700 students have been recognized as Walentas Scholar nominees since the program's inception. Through the selection process, students have had an opportunity to learn about UVA, connect with alumni, and imagine themselves thriving at one of the nation’s leading public universities. Nearly 500 of them matriculated at UVA, including a total of 74 Walentas Scholarship recipients. This progress would not have been possible without the hundreds of alumni, volunteers, donors, educators, and partners who have championed the program from the beginning. Thank you for helping create opportunities for students whose lives, families, and communities will be shaped by a college education. As we begin our sixth competition cycle, we are thrilled to announce that we are expanding our reach nationwide. Every high school in the country is now eligible to nominate an exceptional first-generation student. We expect a significant increase in the number of nominations and the need for selection committee members inevitably will increase with it. To those who already have been part of our efforts, we remain grateful and we hope you will continue this journey with us. To those who are getting to know the Foundation for the first time, we invited you to contact us to learn how you can get involved. Together, we will continue to open doors for the next generation of college pioneers. With deepest gratitude,

Sarah Elaine Hart Director, Walentas Scholars Program and Undergraduate Advising